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- 8 slices of thick bread (challah or brioche is best) - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 3 large eggs - 1 cup whole milk - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon The thick bread serves as a sturdy base for this dish. I prefer challah or brioche because they soak up the custard well. The cream cheese mixture adds a sweet, rich layer. You simply mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. For the custard, beat together eggs, milk, and cinnamon until blended. - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - Maple syrup (for serving) - Optional: extra sliced strawberries and whipped cream Fresh strawberries bring a juicy burst of flavor. They pair perfectly with the sweet cream cheese. Maple syrup adds a warm, sweet touch. For extra flair, you can add whipped cream and more strawberries on top. This makes each bite delightful! To start, gather your tools. You need a mixing bowl and a whisk or hand mixer. Take the softened cream cheese and place it in the bowl. Add 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes. Set this mixture aside for later. Next, let’s make the custard. In a separate bowl, crack 3 large eggs. Pour in 1 cup of whole milk and add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to blend everything well. You want it to look smooth and mixed. This mixture will soak into the bread later. Now, lay out your 8 slices of thick bread on a clean surface. Grab the cream cheese mixture and spread it generously on one side of each slice. On four of these slices, scatter the sliced strawberries evenly on top of the cream cheese. Place the other four slices on top with the cream cheese side down. You now have four tasty sandwiches. It's time to cook! Preheat your large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and let it melt. Make sure it coats the pan evenly. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides well. Let any extra mixture drip off before placing it in the skillet. Cook each sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the heat if needed to avoid burning. Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Keep them warm in a low-temperature oven set to about 200°F. When all the French toast is ready, serve them hot. Top with more fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream if you like. Finally, drizzle with maple syrup for added sweetness. Enjoy your delightful creation! For this recipe, thick bread works best. I suggest using challah or brioche. These types of bread have a soft texture and rich flavor. They soak up the egg mixture well, giving you a nice, fluffy French toast. Avoid thin bread like white sandwich bread. It may turn too soggy. To keep your French toast from getting soggy, dip the sandwiches quickly. Make sure to coat both sides of the bread. After dipping, let any extra egg mixture drip off. This step is key. It helps keep your French toast firm while cooking. You can add a few spices to boost the flavor. Consider adding nutmeg or a pinch of cardamom. These spices bring warmth and depth. You can also try flavored extracts like almond or coconut. This small change can make a big difference in taste. {{image_4}} To make this dish fit different diets, you can choose gluten-free bread. Brands like Udi's and Schär offer great options. They work well and keep the taste delightful. For those who need dairy-free options, try using vegan cream cheese. Brands like Tofutti and Kite Hill are creamy and flavorful. They blend well into the cream cheese mixture, so you won't miss the dairy. You can add fun flavors to your French toast. For a chocolate twist, sprinkle in mini chocolate chips. They melt and create a rich taste. You can also use other fruits. Raspberries or blueberries work great. They add a tart and sweet touch. Mixing fruits can make your dish more colorful and exciting. How you serve this dish can change its vibe. If you want a sweet breakfast, stack the French toast high. Add fresh strawberries and a drizzle of maple syrup. For a dessert, serve it with whipped cream. You can even add a dusting of powdered sugar. This makes it feel special and indulgent. To store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast, first let it cool. Once cool, place the slices in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors fresh. If you have extra strawberries or whipped cream, store them separately. To reheat, use a skillet or an oven. If using a skillet, heat it on low. Add a little butter and place the French toast in the skillet. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side. If you choose the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the French toast on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes until warm. This method keeps it soft and tasty. You can freeze Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast for later use. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat using the methods above for the best taste. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first. Drain any extra liquid. This helps keep your French toast from getting too soggy. Frozen strawberries may be softer, but they still taste great. Thick bread works best for French toast. I love using challah or brioche. These breads soak up the egg mixture well and get nice and fluffy. You can also try sourdough if you want a tangy twist. You can make the cream cheese mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also prepare the sandwiches but do not cook them. Keep them in the fridge. Just cook them fresh when you're ready to eat. Yes, you can use flaxseed meal as an egg substitute. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This works well in the custard for a vegan version. This blog post covered how to make a tasty cream cheese French toast. We explored key ingredients like thick bread, cream cheese mixture, and custard components. I shared tips on preparing, cooking, and serving this dish perfectly. You learned about variations for dietary needs and flavor boosts. In wrapping up, I hope you feel excited to try this recipe. It's a fun dish that's easy to make and enjoy. Plus, it offers room for creativity. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make breakfast or dessert memorable!

Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast

Indulge in a delicious twist on breakfast with this Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast recipe! Imagine thick slices of brioche filled with a creamy cheesecake layer and fresh strawberries, all perfectly cooked to golden perfection. This easy recipe is a must-try for any brunch lover! Click through to discover how to make this mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends alike. Enjoy a delightful morning treat today!
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Ingredients
  

8 slices of thick bread (preferably challah or brioche for the best texture)

4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

3 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for frying)

Maple syrup (for serving)

Optional: extra sliced strawberries and whipped cream for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a whisk to combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set this aside for later.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and ground cinnamon until well blended, creating a custard-like mixture.

      Lay out the slices of bread on a clean surface. Generously spread the cream cheese mixture onto one side of each slice. On four of the slices, scatter sliced strawberries evenly on top of the cream cheese layer. Place the remaining slices on top, cream cheese-side down, to form sandwiches.

        Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt fully, ensuring it coats the surface of the pan evenly.

          Dip each assembled sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. Allow any excess mixture to drip off before placing the sandwich in the skillet to avoid sogginess.

            Cook the sandwiches in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a golden brown color and are cooked through. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning.

              Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and keep them warm in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) while you finish the remaining slices.

                After cooking all the French toast, serve the warm sandwiches hot from the oven. Top with additional fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Drizzle with maple syrup just before plating to enhance the flavors.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4